Two brazen thieves have been jailed after filling a rucksack with meat and taking energy drinks, laundry products and toiletries.
Debbie Neagle and Tafadzwa Chinhoyi stole several items from the Co-op in Oldfield Place, Dartford.
The pair separated after entering the premises but Neagle headed to the meat aisle, where she spent several minutes filling her rucksack.
At the same time, Chinhoyi collected a basket and some plastic bags.
He met up with Neagle in the shop and the pair went on to steal energy drinks, toiletries, cleaning items and laundry products.
But while Negale managed to leave the store with her ill-gotten gains, Chinhoyi was challenged by a staff member before exiting with two bags of stolen items.
The police were alerted and attended the scene, where both criminals were tracked down and arrested.
The same Co-op, next to the Langley Square new homes development near Temple Hill, has previously been targeted by known shoplifters.
Neagle, 35, and Chinoyi, 40, both of no fixed address, were later charged with theft.
They pleaded guilty at their first hearing before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (July 19).
Neagle was immediately jailed for 112 days and Chinhoyi was jailed for 70 days. They were also ordered to compensate the victim.
Inspector Lee Cheesman said: “Our local officers are often on patrol in the town centres and are quick to respond to reports of crime.
“Where shoplifting has been committed, they generally know those responsible and will track them down at the earliest opportunity. Persistent offenders can expect to be charged and will swiftly appear before magistrates to answer for their crimes.”
